09 Mar 2010 4:34 p.m.
Simon Mannering's hamstring injury will keep him out of the Warriors’ NRL season-opening clash against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday.
The 23-year-old was due to make his debut as captain but coach Ivan Cleary has decided not to risk him as he continues his recovery.
“Simon’s close to being right but there’s no point in playing him at this stage of the season until we’re all satisfied he’s ready to go,” Cleary says.
“Hopefully he’ll be able to play next week but we won’t rush things.”
With Mannering out, Micheal Luck will lead the side, as he did in the club’s last two trials this season. Luck will be playing his 99th match for the Warriors on Sunday, leaving him in line to join the 100 club in the first home game of the season against Cronulla on March 20.
Mannering’s absence has also created an opportunity for young back rower Sione Lousi to become the latest Junior Warriors graduate to make his NRL debut.
The 20-year-old featured in all of the Warriors’ three trials against the Sydney Roosters, North Queensland and Manly.
While Lousi will make both his NRL and club debut, new recruits James Maloney, Brett Seymour and Jeremy Latimore will make their first NRL appearances for the Warriors.
Maloney, who made four appearances for the Melbourne Storm last year, will have the first opportunity to partner Brett Seymour in the halves.
“There’s a lot of competition for that spot, which is a good thing for us, and Jimmy showed in the trials that he deserves a shot at the job this time,” Cleary says.
Lance Hohaia is named to start at fullback with Wade McKinnon on the interchange bench.
The full Warriors team is: Lance Hohaia, Kevin Locke, Brent Tate, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Russell Packer, Lewis Brown, Ben Matulino, Micheal Luck (c).
Interchange: Wade McKinnon, Jeremy Latimore, Jesse Royal, Sione Lousi, Joel Moon (one to be ommitted).